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2024 VBSPCA Compassion Award Recipient: TowneBank

From day one, investing in the community has been a central part of TowneBank’s philosophy. As the bank has grown, so has TowneBank’s philanthropic footprint. Today, hundreds of local charities representing a wide variety of worthwhile causes proudly call TowneBank their partner. This includes the Virginia Beach SPCA, which receives support for its mission from TowneBank in a number of ways. 

“Giving back to the communities we serve has been part of our mission from day one,” said TowneBank Vice President and VBSPCA Board Member Leila Bradley. “We are committed to serving others and enriching lives by supporting hundreds of local charitable organizations through donations, scholarships, and grants.”

TowneBank has been a driving force for good in the Hampton Roads community since its founding over 25 years ago, contributing more than $100 million to local charitable organizations in that time. Since 2021, the company has partnered with the VBSPCA to support humane education, a program Bradley describes as an “important initiative that teaches children about kindness and empathy through innovative learning and activities appropriate for various ages.”  The VBSPCA’s Humane Education Program offers young animal lovers a variety of educational opportunities, from in-shelter and classroom programs to newsletters and virtual activities. After an interruption to in-person programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VBSPCA is now returning to local classrooms with the award-winning Listening Ears program after a long hiatus and expanding with new offerings such as Kids Night In and Little Learners.

TowneBank will receive the 2024 Compassion Award at this year’s VBSPCA Wags & Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Signature events like the gala and the Puttin’ for Paws Charity Golf Tournament also benefit from TowneBank sponsorships. These events are eagerly anticipated each year and serve as vital fundraisers for VBSPCA while also spreading awareness of the organization and its mission.

“All of these great events that TowneBank has supported over the years bring smiles for the memories we made and gratitude for the lives of pets and humans that were changed,” Bradley said. “The VBSPCA is a big part of what makes our region a great place to live.”

Members of the TowneBank family have also taken a hands-on approach to supporting the VBSPCA, none more so than Bradley. She began volunteering for the VBSPCA in 2017, joined its Board of Directors in 2018, and recently served as Board Chair. Following Bradley’s lead, TowneBank employees often choose to support the VBSPCA during the annual United Way Day of Caring, including a sizable cleanup effort of the VBSPCA Memorial Garden and other outdoor public spaces in 2023.

Bradley (far right) with fellow TowneBank employees after a 2023 volunteer project

Bradley views the 2024 Compassion Award as a tremendous honor because it recognizes TowneBank’s culture of caring that has been carefully cultivated throughout the years and demonstrated daily throughout the community.

“We take to heart our role to serve others and enrich lives. Showing compassion for all living creatures is the first step in making our region an even better place to live. When there is a need in the community, the TowneBank family is quick to respond.” – Leila Bradley

Interested in attending this year’s Wags and Whiskers Gala? Click here for tickets and more information.